Tammany Trace Photos

Tammany Trace Description

Situated to the north of New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain, the Tammany Trace was Louisiana's first rail-trail. The Trace, as it’s known to locals, is so named because it traces across St. Tammany Parish, connecting the communities of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, and Lacombe.

Along the paved pathway, you'll experience the piney woods and moss-draped oaks that earned the area its Ozone Belt nickname. In the late 1800s, New Orleanians seeking respite from the oppressive heat of the coastal plain chose this as a vacation spot. Today, the trail passes many of their stately retreats.

If you begin your journey on the trail's western end in Covington, be sure to peek into the H.J. Smith and Sons General Store and Museum for a glimpse into the town’s past. The trailhead in Covington is also home to a museum and hosts the Covington Farmers Market every Wednesday during the growing season.

Seven miles to the east is the quaint town of Abita Springs, home to the famed Abita Brewpub, which serves a pleasant lunch at trailside seating (park at adjacent Abita Springs Park). The famous local beer and root beer are brewed nearby. For a quirky experience, check out the Abita Mystery House, a trailside attraction of unusual goods that will leave you with plenty of stories.

From Abita Springs, the trail heads south to Mandeville, where a renovated train station now serves as a community trailhead. Looking to get a glimpse into the famed jazz scene of Louisiana? If you’re in town on the night when it is open for a performance, a visit to the Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall is an absolute must. If you're out during the weekend, stop by the Saturday morning market at the Mandeville trailhead to browse handmade items and sample a variety of local foods.

Beyond Mandeville, the trail leads southeast through a wetlands landscape. This is the Louisiana of Deep South lore. You'll come within several blocks of Lake Pontchartrain before angling inland toward the bayou. A worthwhile side trip here is the 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park, where the brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 still remain. This park is a bird-watcher’s dream, and the professionals at the nature center can give you tips on how to spot some of the region’s finest feathered friends.

The Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge lies between the small fishing town of Lacombe and the lake and offers endless opportunities to explore. The refuge’s visitor center, just off the trail, is a great place to start. If you have a few extra hours to spare, rent a kayak or fishing gear to see a different side of the bayou.

Currently the trail ends at the Slidell-Carollo trailhead, but there are plans to continue the Tammany Trace to downtown Slidell at Heritage Park.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at five places along the trail. To reach the Tammany Trace trailhead from the west end point, take I-12 east to LA 59 north in Abita Springs, cross Little Creek and turn left on Koop Drive. Rangers staff a visitor center in a green caboose past the St. Tammany Parish government building. Park beside the caboose.

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Tammany Trace Reviews

3-Day Bikecamping trip

Pleasant 3-day trip starting in Covington to Fontainbleau State Park campsite. Trips from there both ways to Slidell, Mandeville, and Abita Springs. Ate a lot of meals in Mandeville which were very enjoyable. The ride to see the old oaks along Lakeshore Dr. is a must. Nice trailheads.

Roller Blading the Trace

Best roller blading is from Covington (Harbor Freight) to Mandeville Trail head, be careful at the crossings. Do not cross 190 into old Covington it isn’t paved and is very difficult on roller blades. Also it is hard blading from Fontainebleau State Park to Slidell due to the old asphalt, very rough and fatiguing on the feet.

flat

Trail was very well maintained and pretty much flat with no turns. Only complaint would be no markings along the trail at all. You better have a map or you’ll be wondering where you are and missing lots of sights.

No Pets Allowed

It should really be noted somewhere that pets are not permitted on the trail. It was rather disappointing to get off the highway, find somewhere to park my RV, and walk down to the trail, only to find that I could not walk my dog.

In the rain....

Stayed in Fontainebleau State Park for a couple of days and rode the Trace to Slidell on January 1st 2019 in miserable weather. Got soaked, returned to the State Park for a change of clothing and continued to ride towards Covington. Didn't realize how early darkness would set in though, not being local and had to turn around at I12. Unfortunately I had to leave the next day. Well, going all the way next time, hopefully this spring. Loved the beautiful Trace.

Great Trail

I rode this trail as I cycled the Southern Tier in 2018 as a solo cyclist. It is a wonderful trail and lots to see. Very well maintained and loved the scenery from the ponds with the lily pods and daffodils plants to the beautiful waters edge at the bridge and dam. Oh and loved that Bathroom stop at almost the halfway point by the bridge. Just wish it went on longer.

TT x 2

Finally…….after months of trying to get down to Southern LA, we enjoyed our best overall rails to trails experience. Not that the TT is the best trail (great surface, clean restrooms, good security and frequent trailheads) rather it’s the whole package; great local restaurants, Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau S.P., water splash pads, Abita Brewery, community fairs (Mandeville on Saturday & Abita Springs on Sunday), drive-thru daiquiris and the IMAX theater at Slidell.

Due to the impromptu nature of our trip, we had to stay in a motel in North Slidell, decent & inexpensive. We planned to tent camp at Fontainebleau or rent a B&B in Mandeville but everything was booked. The east terminus was easy to find but you will have to park across Gause Blvd. at the shopping centers if you don’t park at the trailhead. The trail is pine tree lined with a lot of crossing that will moderate your speed. Eventually, you reach the picturesque, rolling bascule bridge over Bayou Lacombe (bridge hours vary). We arrived at Fontainebleau ($3 entrance fee) to relax at the lake/beach/pier and roll through the campsites all under majestic live oaks, approx. 32 miles round trip.

The following day we drove to Abita Springs to ride the western half. First, we rode to the western terminus at Covington and turned around at the statue of Ronaldus Magnus and returned to Fontainebleau. When passing Mandeville, we explored the harbor area and rode along Lakeshore drive. Upon returning to Abita Springs, approx. 35 miles round trip, we partook of post ride refreshments at the brewery, free beer tokens come with the tour! We are definitely planning to return in the very near future; “laissez les bon temp rouler.”

Nice Ride on the Trace

Rode the eastern half of the trail, parking in Slidell. Big parking lot, restroom building, visitor's log. Dead flat trail (what else would you expect in the bayou?), wide, smooth, scenic, with a very rural feel and few road crossings. Talked with the trail manager at the lift bridge, which itself was a neat attraction. Turned around at Fontainbleu State Park for a 25 mile round-trip. The trail crosses the entry road with no trailside facilities, rather than traverse the park.

I would have liked to see another developed trailhead with full facilities; about every 5 miles is ideal. While in Covington I drove by that trailhead. The western half of the trail seems to get more urban, and I would expect to see a higher concentration of street crossings. Next time I'm in the area I will probably ride this trail again, and explore further west from Fontainbleu.

(Long)leaf Trace

1st time, long distances riding, picked a good trail to start. We found it to be very nice, wide, clean and shaded for a sunny day, I was concerned about not being able to use the restroom, well you do have plenty places to stop with the right facilities. Highly recommended! Lots of places to stop, sit and stretch, along the trace. We enjoyed the streams, squirrels and the turtle pond @ marker
13.

Great "winter" ride on the Trace!

Enjoyed a great round trip ride on the Trace! The trail is very well maintained and regularly monitored. I did have a hard time finding anyone in the Trailhead centers even though I was there during open hours. No biggie, very enjoyable ride. Note that there's a bike shop at the Covington end and about midway.

Nice ride on Tammany Trace. A Great Trail.

We had great fall weather for our ride today. The leaves are turning and the sky is blue. We started at the SE end at the Slidell trailhead. Staff was on the trail and at bridge over bayou near St.Tammany Parish trailhead (which closes @5:06pm) The trail is well maintained and is well used by the community. One ranger we spoke to has met people from all over the world traveling the trail. The trails website and this site give accurate descriptions of the trail. There are a lot of things to do along the trail and facilities are available. Be sure to leave the trail to visit or camp at Fontainebleau State Park. Mandeville has some beautiful sites to see. We had lunch in Abita and turned around for the return trip today. We've visited the Covington trailhead and the bike shop right on the trail previously, and I can say you will enjoy that end as well.

Great time

Excellent ride.....

Being from Louisiana but now living on the coast of Mississippi, I would suggest doing this ride in the fall or winter because of the heat and humidity in our deep south summers. If you do shorter rides, you can manage but you have to be able to handle the temps. Lots of beautiful trees and wildlife to view. Cool places to stop and get a bite/beer. Flat surfaces, no hills, clean. You will not be disappointed....

Thanks

I am writing to share a wonderful experience I recently had on your Rails to Trail during a vacation to Mandeville from Raymond, Mississippi. My husband and I have recently taken up biking as a hobby that provides both leisure and exercise to ward off at least some of the unfortunate side effects of aging.

On what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year, we lit out on your trails to enjoy a few hours of riding in a new environment. We were amazed at the size of the rabbits, the lovely landscape and the overall quality of the trail infrastructure; however, the most noted aspect of the ride was the blistering, relentless HEAT. About 28 miles into the ride I began to have a headache, blurry vision and nausea due to the heat. My husband was not concerned and encouraged me to press on to shady spots for breaks as he was not so affected by the heat. On our third break after the turnaround point, I told him to call 9-1-1. About the time I thought I would pass out due to heat exhaustion, two rangers, CJ and Allen, appeared to literally save my day!

They pulled out ice cold water and called a cab for me to take me back to the inn where I was staying. They loaded my husband’s bike in the cab and called ahead to the next ranger on the trail to have water ready for my husband who would complete the ride back on my bike. Were it not for the serendipitous timing and preparation of these rangers, I would likely have been hospitalized. Instead, I was able to enjoy a sno cone compliments of my cab driver, Mo, and make my dinner reservation later that same day.

I understand that governments face increasing economic pressure to meet many competing demands. I hope this letter serves as an endorsement for the wonderful rangers and trail program that you have established. I will continue to visit your parish and trails and promote both as a place where one can experience leisure, natural beauty and wonderful Southern hospitality. I hope you will recognize the excellent service of CJ and Allen and continue to offer these wonderful experiences to St. Tammany natives and visitors alike.

Great trail with lots of shade!

One day we rode from Covington trailhead to Mandeville trailhead and back (about 25 miles). Lots of pretty scenery, shade, and other interests, like Abita Springs, bridges, playground, and a tunnel. There's a restaurant within 2 blocks of the Covington trailhead that is really good, too! (Mattina Bella) Another day we rode from Mandeville to Slidell. Had problems at the beginning so we went into Mandeville and found a store, The Bike Path, to help us. Great service from them and we were back on the trail in no time! This section was more remote. We saw a beautiful area full of blooming lilypads and also enjoyed checking out the Lacombe drawbridge. There are a few picnic tables along the way and most are maintained well. Loved this even in the heat of summer - my advice is go early in the morning!

One of the Best

5 stars is not enough if...

... you start and end at the Mandeville trailhead. Mandeville has the most elaborate trailhead facilities I have seen. Plus there is a coffee shop right at the parking and the "not to be missed" Old Rail Brewpub within sight for the afternoon wrap up.
We rode from Mandeville to Slidell and return on a February day. Not shown on the Traillink map are the restrooms at the draw bridge just east of Lacombe.
Also, prompted by a previous reviewer, we made the side trip into Fontainebleau State Park. A mile+ trip off the trail leads you to a beach and a fishing pier out into the lake. $2 admission, free for 62+.
For another nice view of the lake ride one of the quiet side streets to the SW in Mandeville to enjoy a long lake-front park with paths along the shore.

15 MPH Speed Limit

Best trail in LA!!

In Louisiana shade is more than a want -it is necessary. Out of all of the trails I've been to in Louisiana -this is the best! There are interesting stops along the way. You can break the 31 miles up. My first bike journey started in Abita Springs, which is a charming town, and ended in Mandeville riding along the lakefront, before we turned around and headed back. The next trip we picked up in Mandeville and headed east trying to complete the Trace, but we spent so much time exploring Fountainbleau Park, that we had to save the drawbridge for another day. Also, there are delicious restaurants to try, which are close to the trail. A beautiful, tree lined journey, enjoyed by serious bikers, as well as kids on training wheels and everyone in between!

St. Tammany Trace

Tammany Trace 07/02/2015

This is an awesome trail, well maintained and a joy to ride, Downtown Covington and Downtown Abitia Springs are full of things to see and do. The kids connection playground in Mandeville is awesome, take de te and enjoy the Tammany Trace.¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Great trail.

Winter on the Trace

We are down South for a month and having biked the Long Leaf Trace in Hattiesburg, Ms..wanted to try the Tammany Trace in Slidell. We are so glad we did. My wife rated the trail an A+ and she is a hard grader. The trail was flat, smooth for the most part and where it had been patched it was well done. The trace was not overly busy on the Sunday afternoon in February but the folks we met were very friendly and helpful. The Trace is easy to find and parking was plentiful right by the path. We will be back!

Tammany Trace

We biked a portion of this lovely trail in mid January. It is very well maintained and runs through a great part of the state of Louisiana. All levels of cyclists were using the trail. Many parking options as well as rest spots. I wished I lived closer to this trail. Please plan one like it for the Lafayette ,LA area!!

October 2014

Flat as can be,great asphalt condition,mostly in shade unless sun is directly overhead-tall trees on both sides.Great snoballs(snow cones if you're not a native) plus food/drink next to trail in Mandeville at Shiver Shack-they rent bikes-single speed cruisers,mutlispeed mountain bikes,trailers,trailer bikes,did have a 52 cm Scott CR1 road bike.Few spots next to trail to get fluids/snacks.Quite a few street crossing but most have little traffic.

Look for Deer

You can start your ride to the Trace in Fountainbleu park (at the lake). Huge parking lot. Nice restrooms. If you go early it might remind you of Cade's Cove in the Smokies. This morning I saw a total of 14 deer and 5 wild hogs. Owls hooting in the distance. Some easy off road trails there, too. You can actually pedal your bike about 100 yards to a pavilion out over the lake. Really nice.

A must Rails-to-Trails experience!

The St. Tammany Trace is a fantastic bike trail, especially the stretch between Mandeville and Slidell! I only wish I lived closer so I could enjoy this jewel, everyday! The local characters you'll meet, while resting at the Lacombe ranger station/draw bridge, are every bit as interesting as the Southeast Louisiana wildlife you'll encounter during your ride! Pine tree woods, bayous, swamps, and quaint, historic towns are all part of the Tammany Trace experience!

Enjoyed the Ride

We loved this trail. It was easy biking since it was very flat. The weather was sunny and hot when we biked this trail but the trail is so shaded that we didn't even notice the heat. We stayed in Mandeville and loved the farmers markets, the great places to eat and all the nice people. It was like going back in time to a little Mayberry.

Great ride!

Fun ride..

We started in Covington and ended in Slidell and then returned to Covington. It was a great relaxing and flat ride. Take bug spray and suntan lotion. We crossed the bridge where we had a friendly conversation with the Ranger. Great day for riding and highly recommended.

Outstanding Trail

We started at the Mandeville Trail head (not to be confused with the Mandeville Visitor Center) and before starting on the trail rode down down to the Lake Ponchtrain lake front. It was a scenic ride along the lake. We then headed back to the Tammany Trace on Girod Street and stopped at the Beach House Bar and Grill for lunch, which was really nice. There are several restaurants in this area. Then we hit the trail heading east. The trail was perefectly flat, wide and smooth - a great riding surface. Scenery was good also. We rode several miles beyond the draw bridge and ranger station at Lacombe then headed back to Mandeville. After 25 miles on the trail we ended the day at Old Rail Micro-brewery which is conveniently located on the trail at the Mandeville Trail head. It was very good.

We wanted to detour off the trail to ride the paths in Fountainbleu Park but after fighting 20 mph wind all day decided to save this excursion for another day. It was nice that park rangers were patrolling the trail.

Summary - this is an outstanding trail and we can't wait to ride it again.

Really Nice Path

We rode from the trail head in Slidell to Mandeville (about 15 miles.) We stopped at "Louie and the Redheaded Lady" for lunch (delicious!) in Mandeville before heading back to Slidell. What I loved most about this ride was the beautiful setting. There are lots of tall trees that shade most of the path, so riding when it is a little hot out was not too bad. (The temperature was in the low 90s the day that we rode.) There are some beautiful river crossings and scenery all along the way. You are never too far from civilization if you need to stop for any reason. Plus, we saw three different rangers patroling the path, so if you ran into any difficulty, there are people there that could provide assistance.

I would definitely recommend this trail to all levels of bike riders. We were riding our hybrid bikes, but it would be great for road bikes because it is paved in asphalt the entire way. Because it is so flat and paved, most any kind of pedal-powered vehicle would be appropriate. They were doing some construction that we had to dismount and go around, but they had signs up warning you, so it was not a surprise.

There are lots of roads that you have to cross over, which makes it a little more dangerous, but the drivers were all very considerate and stopped even when they did not have a stop sign. Once you get into Mandeville, the road crossings are all four-way stops, so it is a little less dangerous, but because of the road crossings, I deducted one star.

Great ride

My husband and I rode this on our tandem. It is quite flat and was very enjoyable. One day we started at the eastern end at Slidell/Carollo. There were nice facilities there. If you are coming from the south to get there off I10, take the second road that says it is Rt 190 and also says W Gause. If you would like to put it in your GPS, it is actually 2289 W Gause. Our only criticism is that you have to cross alot of streets that go from 190 to the homes closer to the lake. If you were familiar with the path you would become familiar with which ones are busy streets. Our second day we started on the west end in Covington. There is a cute park there but we could not access the facilities that day. There are several parks with pavillions and restrooms along this western part of this trail. Be sure to stop at Abita Springs at the Brew Pub. It is literally right next to the path. Had a beer with friendly locals. There is an old gas station/now museum that looks like it is straight out of the 1930"s in Abita Springs as well. Tammany Trace has their own website with descriptions of each stop along the path. This is definitely one we will ride again if we are in the New Orleans area.

Great Day, Great Ride.

My husband and I rode from Covington to Mandeville and back and it was a wonderful ride. We started out early and had very little company. As the day progressed we saw more people and a few groups training. This is a nice easy ride. Four stars because of lots of road crossings. Trailheads have great facilities and the trail is well maintained. We saw two rangers checking on the trail on our trek. Of course we had to stop at the Abita Brew Pub for a cold one. Great day, Great ride.

What a great ride

We rode the trail in April. The trail was very well maintainec. It was ride was beautiful and the weather was perfect. They were building a new trailhead at the drawbridge. The wetlands beside the trail provided a variety of plants. Covington is a very nice town in which to stay.

Awsome Trail

Wonderful break from Louisiana roads

Just finished a 2761 mile, 27 day cross country tour from San Diego to Jacksonville, Fl. We happened upon the Trace from friendly folks in a convenience store in Covington who told us about it. What a welcome break from Rt. 71 and 190 ! The trail is perfectly paved the entire way, clearly marked once you're on it. We rode 22 miles to Slidell in about an hour, in the shade. What relief after leaving Hammond in a heat index of 117.

Easy Riding & Pleasant Viewing

We rode this trail in April 2010. We started at Abita Springs where we had a wonderful soup-salad-sandwich lunch at the Breakaway Cafe, across the highway from the Brew Pub. There is parking nearby and we rode the trail in two diections, before and after lunch. At this time of year wisteria and azeleas were in bloom adding to the beauty of this ride.

Map inconsistency

I've been planning a ride from Mobile, AL to Hammond, LA and came across the Tammany Trace.

I've noticed that the TrailLink Google Map shows the trail continuing east beyond US 190 to North Slidell. However, the new Google Map bicycling direction option shows it only going as far as Neslo Road, with a rail line continuing east to N. Slidell. Several street views confirm that it this portion is still a rail line.

Absolutely wonderful riding!

We just spent a week in Abita Springs and rode on the Tammany Trace. Even though we had not ridden at all this year, we found the trail to be easy riding. The scenery was great; there were many places to stop. I wish there were places like this everywhere! The surface was wonderful, even for a rode tandem.

MANDEVILLE

I'm a life long mandevilliean. When I was a kid, a very long time ago, I walked the rail to school, smashed pennys when the trains went by and though rock from the bed at snakes. YES, lots of snakes. But if your coming to bike/hike the trace you need to take the side trips. In Mandeville, soon after the 190 under pass, take coffee street to the lake front. Bike the lake front then take girod street back to the trace. This will take you the trial head, pass many GREAT place to eat, have coffee { Maxein's } and if your lucky, see free music at the trial head. Covington and Abita Springs are also great side trips.

Bayou Lacombe Bridge taking shape...

According to the Times Picayune (4/18/08):
Tammany Trace bridge taking shape
http://blog.nola.com/tpnorthshore/2008/04/photo_tammany_trace_bridge_tak.html

The long-awaited Tammany Trace crossing over Bayou Lacombe began to take shape Friday with the installation of the vertical tower for a new 80-foot drawbridge.

The structure, built by Land and Marine Fabricators Corp. of Slidell, was barged early Friday from Bayou Bonfouca to Lake Pontchartrain and up Bayou Lacombe to the recreational trail.

There, workers bolted the structure to the steel 8-foot-wide deck of the $1.94 million span being built by McDonald Construction of Slidell.

Parish officials say they expect the new bridge to be completed next month and be opened shortly afterwards.

When the bridge opens for trace traffic, 20 more miles of the recreational trail -- from the bayou west to downtown Covington -- will become easily accessible to trail users east of the bayou.

For trace users west of the bayou, another six miles of the trail, from the bayou east to near Thompson Road west of Slidell, will be accessible.

Plans call for the fixed-end drawbridge to be down during the day for trail users, with a trace ranger opening the span for boat traffic. The bridge will remain open for marine traffic after sunset, when the trace is closed.

Long-range plans call for constructing a trailhead, with a ranger station and restrooms, on the western bank of the bayou. Plans also call for eventually extending the trace from the Slidell/Carollo trailhead near Thompson Road into Olde Towne Slidell.

A tunnel under Hwy 190

"A tunnel was built under Hwy 190 to remedy that problem. We still ride to Bayou LaCombe to ""wish upon a bridge"" though. We could actually use a tunnel at Hwy. 36 to Covington too. My husband and I are over 55 and ride the Trace every weekend."

Very Nice Trail

"A very nice trail. We were impressed with the trailheads and the adequate parking. It was very comforting to see the amount of security on this trail. However, there are some bridges out that limit how far you can ride in some directions. We first rode from the Slidell/Carollo trailhead, but after six miles the bridge over the Bayou Lacombe is out. Then we rode from the Tammany Trace Trailhead and found out that after four miles the bridge over the Albita River is out. Nevertheless, this is a great trail and well worth the effort."

GM&O Branch Line

February, 2005 by

"This beautiful trail is actually a former Gulf, Mobile and Ohio branch line, not Illinois Central. In the 1970s, the two lines merged briefly and became the Illinois Central Gulf, a new line. They later separated again.

Anyway, we rode this trail over the Thanksgiving holidays in 2004 from Abita Springs to Fontainebleu. This is a beautiful trail, especially from Mandeville and Eastward. Numerous live oaks, tupelo or cypress tees, and many bayous. We rented bikes at a place in Abita with only a few ancient bikes; there is now a new place with many modern bikes near the Mandeville depot.

Winter riders should be aware that from Abita to Mandeville, the trail goes directly south and the sun is in your eyes. It turns abruptly East in Mandeville. Lots of shade except when you ride directly into a low sun.

In summer, remember to bring mosquito stuff, as you are in the swamps. When the bridge over the large bayou between Fontainebleu and Slidell is finished, that will be the most scenic section. Lots of police presence.

We ate lunch in Abita right near the trail -- the trail goes through the center of town and next to the famous spring. The trail is flat."

A Great Getaway

"We stayed at Trail's End B&B in Abita Springs, which is located right on the trail. It's a superb combination of trail and first class accomodations.

From the trail's end to Lacombe is about 21 miles. It's a nice run through some interesting mixture of rural and suburbia. On Saturdays, Mandeville has a farmer's market with food vendors and live music at their trailhead. It's a fun break and a good place to get a snack for the final leg to the Trail's End B&B.

There are several bike rental places and the owner of Trail's End B&B could not be more amenable to meet your needs. As an added plus, you can visit New Orleans for a little fun to cap your ride."

Wonderful Weekend Getaway

November, 2004 by

"We made our first trip to the Tammany Trace a week ago and it was absolutely wonderful! We ended up riding the entire trail over the two days we were there. The first day we rode from Slidell to Bayou Lacombe and back. Then, we rode from Mandeville to Covington. Along the way, we ate lunch outside in Abita Springs at a quaint little restaurant where patrons arrived by car, horse, bike, and foot. The next day we rode from Mandeville to Bayou Lacombe and through Fountainbleau State Park. It was beautiful. We plan on returning for a long weekend and staying at the park for easy access to the trail. It was great to see so many people of all ages, races, and athletic abilities on so many different types of bikes out exercising and riding the trace. The trail personnel were very nice and helpful. I like the fact that there is security along the trail. Keep up the good work!"

Nice Ride In Cajun Country

September, 2004 by

We only had enough time to ride a few miles out from Abita Springs during lovebug season. We are impressed with the separate unpaved trail for horses. It is definitely safer for riders of both animals and bikes. Rest benches were few and far between without bike racks. Intersections are many and horrendously dangerous.

Be sure to keep your mouth covered during lovebug season! It takes a lot of Abita Beer to wash those bugs on down!

Great Ride

I have ridden all or a portion of this trail for the past three years whenever I travel through this area. It is well worth the time and is one of the most enjoyable rides between Texas and Mississippi.

Enjoyed the ride

March, 2004 by

This trail was a great antidote to the snow and cold at home. A very well done trail. Completing the bridge over the bayou at Lacomb and a road crossing into Covington will enhance the experience. We stayed at the Trails End B&B in Abita Springs and enjoyed the local restaurants; don't miss the UCM museum.

Nice trail

August, 2003 by

"This was the first rail-trail that I have been on. My husband and I biked it a few weekends ago (only about 20 miles). We found the trail to be pleasant, easy to ride and full of friendly people. Not many places along the way to stop and get something to drink (it's hot and humid in the south)! However, we did stop at the Abita Springs Brew Pub and eat lunch. Excellent food and atmosphere. The beer is good too. Worth your time. You'll be glad you rode it."

No bridge across Bayou Lacombe

March, 2003 by

We rode this wonderful trail in late March. We camped at Fontainbleu State Park and rode to Slidell and back and the next day from the park to Covington. The paving has just been completed from Abita Springs to US 90 in Covington.

None of the trail literature indicates that there is no bridge across Bayou Lacombe which is about halfway between the park and Slidell. By leaving the trail at the street that has the Lacombe sign and going a block over to US 190 you can get around this trail block. The road shoulders are wide here except for across the two bridges. Turning right at Carrol St. you can meander back to the trail on S. Oaklawn.

This is it!

August, 2002 by

"This is a beautiful paved trail and, quite frankly, the only safe place to ride in Louisiana. There are several really good places to eat in Abita Springs and in Mandeville. There is a tunnel being built in Mandeville to get across a dangerous highway that should be completed by September, 2002. There are Rangers at the trailheads to help, protect, and give information. We have found them to be very nice folks.

My wife and I are in our sixties, and we find our 20-mile or so rides to be peaceful, fun, and energizing. The scenery is beautiful. The people you meet are friendly. You'll see lots of families on the trail: mom, pop, and the kids. For an enjoyable, healthful ride, this is the place. "

Wonderful!

Absolutely beautiful

June, 2002 by

"I have ridden this trail twice now. The first time was just three weeks ago and it was great. The trail is absolutely beautiful. It runs through woods and swamps, and it is very well maintained. Trees shade the biggest portion of this trip. We biked from Abita Springs to Mandeville with a great rest area just over five miles out of Abita. There is an old caboose for the ranger station and a covered paivillion. Outside the restrooms there is a cool mister providing the pause that refreshes. Along the trail we saw deer, snakes, rabbits, a bobcat, an owl, and egrets. In Mandeville we stopped at a great little coffee shop called Java (something). Because of the shade and easy grade of the trail, we were able to make thirty miles in three hours (that is round trip). The rangers are an ever present entity, so there is no need for concern about safety. "

New Orleans Northshore

May, 2002 by

"This is a beautiful ride. During the warm months expect to see a lot of wildlife and wild flowers. The UCM Museum in Abita Springs is a very interesting tourist attaction with a good collection of bicycles, vintage and custom built."

The Trace in Spring

April, 2001 by

"Although I haven't gone the whole route. I've gone from Mandeville to Lacombe and took a detour through the State Park on the way. If you go in the early morning before 8:00am you might encounter some of the wildlife there. Last year, the saturday before Easter I came accross a bobcat and what I thought was a racoon. You will also see an old cemetary and bridges over swamp area where you can view water lilies, cypress trees, and moss covered oaks. If you detour into the state park ($.50 admission)you will see some of the most beautiful moss covered oaks and an old sugar mill. There is a nature trail at the park that you can walk or if you have a mountain bike ride through and see the vast swamp area beyond the forested trail. "